Medieval women are typically portrayed as submissive and compliant, but is this portrayal true and unanimous? Is it possible that some women had more influence on their social situation? “The Return of Martin Guerre” by Natalie Davis certainly seems to indicate that women were capable of doing more than housework and motherhood. The woman affected by this behavior is Bertrande de Rols, a peasant woman who allows an impostor to replace her missing husband for her own benefit. However, in contrast to this account, Robert Finlay, author of “The Refashioning of Martin Guerre,” argues that Bertrande had no real intent in her actions and that she was simply deceived by the impostor. Davis responds to this criticism in “Of the Lame,” where she further clarifies the reasoning behind her statements. Using historical trial accounts, Davis provides multiple sources of evidence and a reason to claim that Bertrande was, in fact, an associate of the impostor and that she had deliberately taken advantage of him to improve her quality of life. Finlay, Davis explores how the impostor assimilated into Martin Guerre with Bertrande's implicit help. When the impostor, Arnuad du Tilh, introduced himself to Bertrande, “she stood back in surprise. Only when he had spoken to her affectionately, reminding her of the things they had done and talked about... did she throw herself around his neck and kissed him." Arnaud evidently had some preliminary information to initially capture the attention of the Guerre family. However the question remains as to how Arnaud could have obtained the information to continue and maintain his facade. Finlay states that “[Arnaud] had gathered information on the Guerre marriage before him...... middle of document ......., 1983), 42.Robert Finlay, The Refashioning of Martin Guerre, 588. Natalie Zemon Davis, On the Lame, 577.Natalie Zemon Davis, The Return of Martin Guerre,44.Robert Finlay, The Refashioning of Martin Guerre,588.Natalie Zemon Davis, On the Lame, 578.Jean de Coras, Arrest Memorable du Parlement de Tolose (Lyon: Antoine Vincent, 1561), 52.Jean de Coras, Memorable Arrest, 74.Natalie Zemon Davis, The Lame Man, 578.Jean de Coras, Memorable Arrest, 86.Natalie Zemon Davis, The Lame Man, 580. Jean de Coras, Memorable Arrest, 66-67.Jean de Coras, Memorable Arrest, 66-67.Jean de Coras, Memorable Arrest, 135.Natalie Zemon Davis, The Lame Man, 593.Natalie Zemon Davis, The Lame Man, 580.Natalie Zemon Davis, The Return of Martin Guerre, 30-31.Natalie Zemon Davis, The Lame Man, 585.Jean de Coras, Memorable Arrest, 12.